Description
Indulgent no-bake banana split cake brings classic dessert dreams to life with layers of creamy goodness. Smooth graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and fresh banana slices create a chilled summer treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large bananas, sliced
- 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (20 ounces) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (16 ounces) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Crust and Sweeteners:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts or pecans)
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a robust foundation by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press the mixture compactly into a rectangular dish, creating a uniform base layer. Chill in the refrigerator to solidify the crust.
- Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency. Carefully spread this luxurious mixture across the chilled graham cracker foundation, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Create a vibrant fruit landscape by laying fresh banana slices in neat, overlapping rows across the cream cheese surface. Follow with a generous distribution of drained pineapple chunks, covering the banana layer completely.
- Crown the fruity foundation with a soft, billowing layer of whipped topping. Spread gently to preserve the underlying fruit arrangement and create a smooth, cloud-like surface.
- Embellish the dessert with a delicate shower of chopped nuts, providing textural contrast. Strategically place bright maraschino cherries for visual appeal and optional chocolate drizzle for decadent finishing touches.
- Allow the assembled dessert to rest and harmonize in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This chilling period enables flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly. Serve thoroughly chilled for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer that spreads evenly and blends perfectly.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer to prevent excess liquid from making the dessert soggy and maintaining a firm texture.
- Experiment with alternative crusts like crushed chocolate cookies or gluten-free graham crackers to accommodate different dietary preferences and add unique flavor profiles.
- Prepare this dessert a day ahead for enhanced flavor melding and easier serving, allowing the layers to set and develop a more cohesive taste experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg